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statements of all the doctrines and traditions of the Worldwide Church
of God and of other religions, but this project will not be complete
for several years and therefore cannot be sent to members of the
church in its present form. However, a booklet containing concise
statements of beliefs and doctrines of the Worldwide Church of God
is just about complete and will soon be sent to all members.
SABBA TICAL MINISTERS OFFER IDEAS ON MINISTERIAL TRANSFERS Among the
many aspects of our jobs as ministers, perhaps one of the most dramatic.
is the so-called "ministerial transfer." While the ministry in all
churches experience this phenomenon, perhaps we have gone through a bit
roore than most. Since we are a part of a "mobile ministry," "pilgrims
in the earth," and since our moves do have such an impact on churches
and individual brethren (and each other!), we ought to become profes
sional in this phase of our jobs as well.
All of us on the Certificate of the Ministry Program closely identify
with this approaching reality. We want to share our concern and think
ing with all of the ministry via this article giving some pointers,
guidelines, and methods we think will help in making any ministerial
rrove smooth, administratively efficient, and as devoid of excessive
emotional strain as possible.
A line we have used in churches and Spokesman's Clubs especially, is
that "A man is known by his entrances and his exits." In the case of
a transfer, one is "exiting" and another "entering." We believe that
the most important principle in "passing the baton" between two pastors
is that of doing to others as you would want done to you. A transfer
is a mutual responsibility. Both pastors have a heavy responsibility
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to
each other as well as to the people they serve.
What follows is a list of general guidelines we feel will help in the
process of the "changing of the guard" in God's Church.
(1) One of the most frequent gripes voiced by new pastors is,
"The files were a shambles!" If a new man, with problems enough to
cope with, has the added burden of figuring out Who's Who?, Who's
Where?, Who's Alive or Dead? in the local church, he's off to a
limping start. Church files stating addresses, phone numbers,
organization charts, and perhaps some well-marked maps, ought to be
left behind in good order. He might even appreciate a list __ of _those
he can expect to be perpetually after him for his attention--the
perpetual "time-wasters."
(2) Leave behind an up-to-date listing of PMs and new contacts
that the new man can run with.
(3) The new pastor might appreciate a file on local recreational,
educational, and various professional services (from especially com
petent or helpful mechanics to real estate agents to MDs) available
in the area.
(4) It would be nice if there were no marital, family, or
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doctrinal problems left in the wake of the departing pastor, but we
know that's impossible. However, some effort ought to be made to
finalize long-term counselings and to leave a "brief" on the (hope-
fully) few major problems that will need attention immediately.